"E. C. Tubb - Dumarest 21 - Iduna's Universe" - читать интересную книгу автора (Tubb E. C)

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Iduna's Universe by E.C.
Tubb

Chapter One

It was late afternoon when Dumarest reached the crest and he
paused to look down the gentle slope of the valley and at the
village it contained. A small, neat, tidy place with snug houses
set in close proximity, the walls washed with a variety of pastel
shades. The thread of a narrow river wound between banks thick
with reeds and flowering shrubs, the stone bridge crossing it
mottled and stained with lichens, softened with time. The square
was clean, dotted with bright figures as women bustled about
their business and men stood talking in the shadows cast by
solidly built edifices. From somewhere a dog barked, the sound
traveling with remarkable clarity through the sultry air.

"Home," said Arthen. His young voice held the anticipation of
comfort. "Home."

For him and for the others who had been born in the valley
but not for Dumarest. Even so the place held an attraction which
he could appreciate; an atmosphere of gentleness and calm
which if nothing else served to provide a haven from the bustle of
cities, the empty coldness of space. A place in which to rest and
wait and to earn what he could. One in which to hide and,
perhaps, to learn.
 "Earl?" Arthen was impatient to get moving. "We want to get
home before dark."

"We have plenty of time."

"ButтАФ"

"And Michelle will be waiting. An hour more after so many
daysтАФwhat does it matter?"

Arthen blushed but made no comment, busying himself with
the horses, checking their loads. Both animals carried camping
gear and the fruits of the hunt; skins, teeth, the snarling mask of
a feral beast which even in death radiated a chilling ferocity.
Touching it he felt a warm glow. Dumarest had killed it but he